My name is Mrs. D. and I am an author of children's books. Currently, I’m juggling many projects including several new books. I love to write. I love this beautiful language. I write because I have something to share. I write because maybe someday, someone in this world may need my experience. I write for one simple reason. I love how it makes me feel: free.

The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet-A New Children's Book Coming in spring 2018!!

A Beautiful Tribute From My Fans

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

by Chris Robley

How to run an Effective Goodreads giveaway

Many authors claim That When it comes to social media, staying active on Goodreads is even more important Than maintaining a presence on Twitter, Facebook, or Google+.

Why is Goodreads so Important? Because that's where avid readers are already hanging out, discussing books, leaving reviews, reading and making recommendations.

One of the best ways to advance encourage reviews for your newest book, build a buzz, and turn those avid readers into fans of your own writing is to host a Goodreads giveaway.

The Goodreads giveaway process is pretty simple:

1) Decide you how many books you want to give away (They must be physical books, no eBooks)

2) You set a duration for how long the giveaway should run

3) Goodreads users can sign up to win a free book

4) Goodreads sends you the info for the winner / s so you can mail your book Them

ACCORDING TO Goodreads' site, over 40k users are entering giveaways every single day with an average of 825 people per entering giveaway. That's a lot of exposure for you and your book.

To make the most out of your giveaway, Goodreads recommends that you:

* Start early - At least 1 month before official publication (3-6 months Would be better) - in order to Increase your chances of advance press.

* Run the giveaway for a month to maximize signups.

* Give away at Least 10 books, since the more you give away the better your chances of getting early reviews (though it's worth noting here that Gooreads does not remove negative reviews - so you'll have to be brave and live with whatever criticism or praise comes your way).

* Use Goodreads' giveaway widget on your blog to Increase entries.

* Do multiple giveaways - one or two pre-release, and one upon the official on-sale date of your book.

A slightly different take on Goodreads giveaways from an author who saw results

Author Emlyn Chand ran a number of Goodreads giveaways for her book. After analyzing the data, she offers a number of great tips HERE to help you maximize the power of each Goodreads giveaway. I highly recommend you read and test for yourself the tips on her blog (some of which diverge from Goodreads' official advice), but I'll summarize a few of them below:

* Run multiple giveaways with lower quantities of free books to boost the number of Goodreads members who'll read about your book, instead of giving away 10 copies or more all at once.

* Include the words "AUTOGRAPHED COPY" in caps in your description box. Oh, and then actually autograph those books!

* Do not time your giveaways to end on popular dates (holidays) Because you'll be competing with too many other giveaways.

* Do not limit your giveaways to the U.S.. Odds are that someone in the U.S. will win anyway, but no need to exclude potential international readers.

* It all comes down to a great giveaway description using review blurbs and info about awards you've won. No plot synopses! Those can easily be found on your book page.

How about you? Have you tried a Goodreads giveaway? How did it go? What worked and what did not? Let us know in the comments section below.

About Chris Robley

Chris Robley has written 393 posts in this blog.

Chris Robley splits his time between the Portlands Oregon and Maine, always longing for the other. He plays music on the West Coast and writes poems on the East. His music has been praised by NPR, the LA Times, the Boston Globe, and others. Skyscraper Magazine said he is "one of the best short-story musicians to come along in quite some time." Robley's poetry is Forthcoming in Prairie Schooner, RHINO, Pacifica Literary Review, and The Fine Line.

The fading strains of "Shenandoah," that most nostalgic of American folk anthems, followed me down the marble stairs, holding me in a dry spell that I paused on a nearby marble bench to savor the last, sweet notes from the chorale brought in for the affair. In the great entrance hall that leads to the most famous courtroom in the world several hundred elegantly dressed guests lingered over their coffee, caught in the same spell and reluctant to let the dinner or the moment end. The voices of the Master Singers of Virginia sounded as pure as the white marble columns of the Court itself. My host Norman Reimer, a lawyer-leader of the National Bar whose organization has long championed the rights of defendants, had invited me to join him at the black-tie celebratory dinner marking the 38th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court Historical Society. It seemed appropriate. This year marks my own 38th anniversary of being sworn in as a Member of the Bar of the Supreme Court by Chief Justice Warren Burger, who founded the society that same year.

The week itself also marked my 45th anniversary of graduation from law school in Washington, where at the urging of my favorite law professor, I had often spent stolen hours at the Court listening to arguments and decisions, including the case of Clarence Gideon, a Florida, uneducated rustic who had been convicted and sentenced to prison and hand-wrote an appeal to the Highest Court in the land. Assigned free representation there by prominent Washington lawyer and later Supreme Court Justice Abe Fortas, he won a unanimous decision announcing the right of an accused citizen to have a lawyer even if he was so poor the state would have to bear the cost. By luck I had been there when the case was argued in January of 1963 and again when the decision was read from the bench in March, and that case has stood like a brilliant lighthouse on the stormy coast of American justice ever since, and one we host, sometime winner of the prestigious Gideon award, had spent his professional career vigorously championing.

As a law student in Washington and an editor of our legal newspaper and of the Law Review I had a romantic view of the Court, and wrote a column enthusing about it as the great hope of America, which brought a certain amount of hoo-rah from my fellow students. Now, however, I am of an age with most of the Justices, and inclined to judge them by my own experiences and philosophy. Of late, I had lost hope in the Court, seeing it as a trophy seized by the political Right. Most of all the Supreme Court decision insuring the Presidency of George W. Bush had dimmed my rosy-tinged views.

Like most lawyers, I have never argued a case before the Supreme Court, although I came close to it twice. But almost a half-century of lawyering shapes one's views about the Court. And having served at the farthermost and lowest end of the judicial spectrum as a humble municipal judge on an island having only six bars and two traffic lights, I confess to a certain skepticism about my more distinguished brethern. I came to the law when the unanimity of the Court served to support great American principles, like the pedestal under the Statue of Liberty. Nowadays every precedent stands on the shifting sand dunes of a 5 to 4 decision one way or the other, waiting for mortality and the next political hurricane to sweep it away. Most of the Justices were present at the dinner. I shook hands with Justice Scalia, probably the man whose opinions I differ with the most, although courtesy sealed my lips and, I suspect, he could not have cared less had he known. Still, he had done a good thing that day, for which I was proud to shake his hand. He had joined the 4 end of one of those infamous 5 to 4 decisions, linking himself with the three liberal Justices Ginsburg, Sotomayor and Kagan to damn and blast the majority for letting the cops grab a DNA sample from those arrested for a serious offense, However "serious" may come to be defined.

The building in which the Court sits with a marble mausoleum designed by famed architect Cass Gilbert. My friend Norman Reimer admires it as a classic temple forever representing the nobility and aspirations of the law he has served so long. I see the law as a less cold temple and more as an Italian meal, which should nourish and comfort and inspire feelings of trust and hope.

We are both right about the law, but on the architecture I side with that Justice, who was sitting when the present structure was first built, quipped that he and the other black-robed justices would look, in that dazzling white marble building, "like nine black beetles in the Temple of Karnak." But the evening served to revive my youthful idealism about the Court. As I listened to "Shenandoah" drift through the marble halls, I felt it carried with it the home truth of America and of the Supreme Court; American justice is neither architecture nor lawbooks, but a matter of the spirit, which may suffer setbacks now and then, but can never be quenched nor long suppressed.

Mrs. D's books: 5 Star Readers’ Favorite

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Who Let the Cookies Out? (Grandma's Cookies Stories)

Not your normal cookies!Who doesn‛t like cookies, especially cookies that willtake you on a tasty but nutty adventure?This delicious story begins in Grandma‛s kitchen when she decides to surprise her grandson‛s pre-K with holiday cookies. But little did she know what a mess her nutty cookies would create at her grandson‛s school. They just can‛t resist being nuts!This scrumptious tale proves the old saying that we‛re all made from the same “dough,” but a few “nuts” can spoil the batch.Brace yourself for a yummy book that will keep your giggles coming with every page you turn!

Baby from the Moon

A perfect book for bedtime snuggles! "Baby from the Moon" is a tale about a single wish - to find a mommy, whom Baby G saw many times in his dreams while living in the sky before his birth. It is a sweet story of the baby boy and his birth that celebrates life, joy, and encouragement, while satisfying the curiosity of young children how they came into this world. A touching journey of the tiny boy, who wants nothing more then to meet his mommy, this is a gentle introduction and inspiration for every child with dreams. A beautiful story and amazing artwork will keep children's imaginations flying from page to page filled with loving twists and turns. Children might discover something surprising about their birth and themselves. A fantastic gift for a new mommy and baby!

WINNERS OF THE READER'S FAVORITE CONTEST!

This was the largest contest ever and competition was fierce. Honored!

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FROM MRS.D.

Parents who want to make the most of storytelling activities with their children should focus on finding books and stories that have meaning and provide valuable lessons. Mrs.D.’s colorful and heartwarming children’s books will not only capture a child’s imagination but will also teach children the true meaning of friendship, family, love, and self-acceptance. They will give parents, grandparents, babysitters, and those who love to read an interesting way to spend time together. Mrs.D.Books blog is about the world of children’s books, self-publishing experiences, recommendations and helpful sites for authors, useful posts from a variety of sources about marketing tools, e-books, children’s apps, book trailers, book buzz, how to sell more books, interesting articles about children’s literature, lists of children’s books, news about children’s authors, art, photography, new discoveries, and more. Brace yourself for an unusual journey...Guest bloggers are welcome!

A Taste of Bread -PUBLISHED!

THAT IS HOW THINGS ARE - PUBLISHED!

(Two connected stories) “The Autumn Wind”—A moving story about the powerful wind and the peaceful garden, and how things change quickly when the callous autumn wind unleashes his power. “The Kitten and the Sparrow”—A heartwarming story about friendship between a kitten and a sparrow, and how the little kitten learns about the power of nature.

The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet - PUBLISHED!

Who made a mess in the closet? This enchanting story contains an amusing dialogue between the strange occupants of a closet and a curious kitten. Much to its surprise, the nosy kitten finds itself in the middle of a huge disagreement between the black broom and the other occupants of the closet. The blue sponge is sensitive, the purple duster is upset, the red vacuum cleaner is furious, and the black broom cannot rest until she discovers who made the mess. Sneak into a dark closet with a kitten and see who causes mayhem! Was it the silver bucket, the green dustpan, the lost slipper, the sleepy mop, or the old cat that made the mess? Read and reread this story until you find out! This entertaining story may start with a mess, but it ends with children laughing!

PUBLISHED!

These fun rhyming stories introduce young readers to delightful food characters with goofy personalities, real feelings, passions and fears, who always disagree with each other about who will feed a hungry little girl first.

PUBLISHED!

What's Going On Inside the Fridge? Story 2

PUBLISHED!

Who Is Most Important in the Fridge? Story 3

THE TREES HAVE HEARTS - MULTI AWARD WINNER!

Poignant and imaginative, this story will easily find a spot in the reader’s heart. The rich storytelling and unforgettable characters add flavor to an already delightful story line. This book opens a surprising imaginary world as seen through the eyes of a child…

GOOD MORNING, WORLD!-Honored for Excellence by the Mom's Choice and Readers' Favorite Awards

Glide gently into the beautiful morning with Baby Thomas and his grandpa. The sun is shining brightly through the wide window and the flowers, trees, birds, and other creatures have already started their day. Brilliant colors of the dawning day wake up the park, and Baby Thomas is ready for a walk. While walking in the park with his grandpa, they see the same things but from a different perspective. Baby Thomas wants to hug the wonderful world around him, but his grandpa has a different opinion. In this book, young readers will easily connect to the wonders of nature and unforgettable characters, playfully interacting with each other. Join happy Baby Thomas and his grandpa for a walk and have a delightful, uplifting morning!

READERS' FAVORITE and MOM'S CHOICE AWARD WINNER!

A Christmas story about sharing and giving. The old cat likes her settled life and is not happy about the new arrivals. She’s also very protective of her belongings. The city kittens annoy her, and the old cat grumbles about the new additions to the family—until she hears a story one night that makes her feel bad. The kittens aren’t the soft or spoiled brats she had thought they were …

An enlightening story about a little girl named Nika who didn’t want to take care of her clothes and toys. One hazy morning when Nika opened her closet, she discovered that it was empty. Her clothes had disappeared! What had happened to her shirts and pants? Where did her favorite dresses, coats, and socks go? Why did they leave her with just her pajamas on this misty morning? Will they come back? Taking a closer look at her room, Nika starts thinking about her attitude toward her clothes and toys. “How easy it is to lose something you love so much.” She learns an important lesson at the end of this story. Watch your children have a blast reading this story while learning valuable lessons.

The Royal Palm-Mom's Choice Awards and Readers' Favorite Winner

A thought-provoking tale of the journey of a royal palm born on a tiny island surrounded by mysterious waters. This tender story explores the world of someone wrapped up in herself. Protected by her cousins, the short plain palms, the royal palm grew up beautiful, but very self-centered. Dreaming about life outside the island, she did not bother with her friends, who lived as one big family. Immersed in her own beauty, she only cared for herself, until one day a hurricane struck the tiny island. Then the Royal Palm discovered the true meaning of family and real friendship. Inspiring story with valuable lessons to be learned and shared.

The Little Girl Praying on the Hill - Readers' Favorite International Gold Winner

"The Little Girl Praying on the Hill" is a bittersweet story based on the emotional childhood memories of a young girl determined to understand the purpose for her existence. Growing up in a poor village of the post-World War II era in a country where half the men drink themselves to death by the age of forty, the confused child questions God. The beauty of nature around her animates her and paints the perfect combination of colors, but life in her rundown village, sinking in mud after each rainfall, is a strong contrast. She exists between two worlds: her beautiful imagination and the harsh realities of life. The picture of majestic nature does not fit with the picture that God created for the people he loves. Why did he divide this world so unevenly? Why did he drop her in the wrong place? Her emotions rise to unreachable heights and sink to devastating lows. The gripping beauty of his creation mesmerizes her young mind, but only for a moment before her memories of specific events make her doubt God's intentions.

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CARLO THE MOUSE ON VACATION_NEW SERIES

Heading your way!A funny stories, full of the adventures and troubles of Carlo the mouse, who lives a simple life in a Florida hospital but always dreams of greater things. In these vibrant books, a daring mouse takes center stage in an adventure even bigger than his appetite...

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CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 1_PUBLISHED!

TOO MANY RULES FOR ONE LITTLE MOUSE! Grab your boots and hold on to your hat, because you are in for an exciting trip! The new series of Carlo the Mouse has been born. Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse is the first in a series of books on Carlo’s adventures. Each book will give readers an entertaining look into the life of a little mouse born inside a hospital’s walls. Clever, curious, and very impatient, Carlo the mouse dreams of the world outside the hospital. His parents teach him how to follow the rules and how to survive on his own, but Carlo’s insatiable desire for adventure constantly gets him in trouble. Will the little adventurer manage to survive when he leaves home? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next books on Carlo the mouse. Let your imagination soar in this full series of Carlo’s adventures!

PUBLISHED!CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 2

NOW WE'RE TALKING! Listen to the news and keep your eyes open, because a curious little mouse has had his wish come true! Now We’re Talking! is the second in a series of books on Carlo’s adventures. This nosy little mouse leaves home for the first time to explore life inside the hospital. But Hospitalia is a strange place, and there’s no place for him to hide. Cold, sterile, and unfriendly, the hospital looks nothing like Carlo had imagined while sitting at home. Before he knows what’s up, the kitchen staff are on his tail. Will the hungry mouse manage to trick the hospital manager, cook, and exterminator without breaking the rules his parents taught him? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next book on Carlo the Mouse, What’s Going On? If this clever mouse outwits you, don’t get discouraged. Keep reading and follow Carlo’s adventures!

CARLO THE MOUSE, BOOK 3_PUBLISHED!

WHAT'S GOING ON? Trouble! Where did that ravenous little mouse come from who’s disturbing the peace in the hospital? What’s Going On? is the third in a series of books on the adventures of Carlo the mouse. Carlo knew he was not supposed to go near the manager’s office, but when the kitchen staff were chasing him, he made a choice that started a war. This is only Carlo’s first time out, and already everyone is after him. Imagine what could happen when he learns his way around the hospital! He likes to eat, and is growing like a mushroom after the rain. Will this be the end of our curious little mouse, or will Carlo manage to outsmart the clever manager, angry cook, and sneaky exterminator so he can go home safely? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next books on Carlo the mouse. Remember, Hospitalia is a strange place …

CARLO THE MOUSE, BOOK 4_PUBLISHED

RULES ARE FOR A REASON - More trouble for the Most Wanted Mouse! The hospital cook, manager, and exterminator have proclaimed war against the mice of the world! Rules Are for a Reason is the fourth in a series of books on Carlo the mouse. Always hungry, the curious little mouse snoops underneath each door, driving the hospital staff crazy. He’s constantly breaking the rules his parents taught him. One morning, Carlo wakes up sick. Horrified, he leaps from his bed and looks in the mirror—and finds he looks like a meatball! Fly disease? Mousesclerosis? Chickenpoxsclerosis? Sounds long! What sickness did the carefree mouse catch while exploring the hospital? Will Carlo turn into a chicken … or a frog … or maybe a prince? You’ll find out in the next book on Carlo’s adventures: Nothing Is Safe in a Mouse’s Life. If you want to know if Carlo will learn to follow the rules Papa Mouse and Mama Mouse taught him, you must read every day and follow your parents’ rules. More exciting adventures of Carlo the Mouse await you!

CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 5-PUBLISHED!

NOTHING IS SAFE IN A MOUSE'S LIFE - A whisker-licking story of one kind little mouse! Who would ever suspect that Carlo would meet Fidel the cat inside the hospital? Who would ever believe that the tricky young mouse would outsmart the old cat? Who would ever imagine that for the first time in his life, the daring mouse would venture away from his home and find himself outside the hospital? Homeless, cold, and hungry, Carlo and his family face attacks from vicious birds. Throughout his dangerous journey, Carlo finds adventure aplenty. He learns about life outside the hospital and the dangers that mice face on a daily basis. Determined to return home safely, Carlo has grown up and finally understands why he must obey the rules his parents taught him. Follow the unexpected adventures of this bold little mouse!

CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 6_PUBLISHED!

IT'S MY LIFE! Once a mouse falls in love, almost anything can happen! His heart skips a beat! He can’t eat, drink, or sleep! He is tossing in bed, losing rest and extra fat! He bleaches his brown hair and becomes a blond mouse! What is going on with Carlo? Papa Mouse is distressed. Is he getting a heart attack? Carlo looks like a bleached punk! Mama Mouse is in shock. Their little mouse has grown up, and he is in love with a cute mouse. He is getting married, dear friends! The young mouse gets his wish. He soon has a pretty wife and a bunch of kids, but he still dreams of seeing the world. Life is short, and a day can hold many adventures. Sliding off a roof, Carlo falls inside an open car trunk … Kick off your boots, hold your hats, and enjoy these books, my little friends! More books on Carlo the mouse are coming in the near future.